Let me put this out there, when I was in Primary school I loved nothing better than a good ol’ PE sesh, despite my inability to catch, throw or well anything. If running like a really fast penguin counts, then I guess I could be champion of that? But then something changed when I got to secondary school, I grew self-conscious and being ‘bad at sport’ was something that was pointed out to me on a regular occasion. Sure I could run quite fast, I was pretty flexible and could dance but none of those skills really mattered when you were up against elite champions who could whip your ass into shape. Plus I was constantly bullied throughout my secondary education and would cut classes, especially PE where you had to be partnered up with someone and quite frankly it would make me feel ashamed to always be left to last. So I guess I grew dissatisfied with fitness, because of the negative experiences I had in the past. Briefly I managed to get over my fear in uni, where I joined Zumba, dance and other fitness themed groups but after getting sick during third year, exercise was the furthest thought from my mind. During my time as a blogger I dabbled in Yoga and was given Pilate classes as part of my physio but I have got to a point where I feel, well bored.
I don’t particularly relish the thought of going to the gym and although I like to dance it really flares up my back injury but I needed to find a new way to get me motivated and back in the ‘fitness game’. Then I came across roller derby, recommended to me to my uni friend *Dee who told me her girlfriend was part of a roller derby team. My initial thoughts were ‘no way’ as she described it as ‘intense, aggressive and full of attitude’ , all words which I wouldn’t really use to describe myself. But then it got me thinking, what if ‘trying out roller derby could help me feel more confident and allow me to channel my depression and anxiety into a creative outlet other than ‘writing’? I am a creative by a long shot but it is the first time in a while that I have seen sports outside of dance and gymnastics as an art form. Look at it this way, you are part of a team which creates a ‘semblance’ of harmony and you work together to ‘create sport’. I always saw creativity as individualistic but researching roller derby has shown me that creating art can be initiated through teamwork too. More to the point, not only can roller derby boost confidence and increase creativity but it also improves balance. Back in my musical theatre days I was extremely flexible and could do handsprings, flips and splits. Now? I am worried I might break my legs but fortunately I don’t need to attempt to try out any tricks,apart from learning to stay upright, while my teammates try and push me off track.
I remember when I was 7 years old I attempted to go ice skating for a friends birthday, I was in a purple velvet dress and white tights and very quickly realized that my balance capabilities were limited to land only. I cut open my leg and there was blood splattered all over the ice, which put me off going ice skating again. So naturally your probably wondering why I would want to try out roller derby when I was so obviously traumatized the first time and the answer is ‘practice makes perfect’. As a kid I was so afraid of trying out new things because I always set myself up for failure whereas the ‘adulting’ me will try anything once, just to see what its like. At the end of the day you don’t have to be technically skilled, as long as you enjoy yourself and have fun the technicalities come later, after all the same rules apply to other sports too! We are always scared of trying something new, and it is our ‘fear’ that stops us from trying out new hobbies. meeting new friends and creating alternative memories. But if we turned down every opportunity we were given for the ‘sake of preserving face’ we might lose out on an experience that could alter our lives forever!
Now I am not claiming that roller derby is revolutionary or that I am signing myself up to a class as we speak but what I am saying is this. Its obvious that its health benefits such as endurance, strength and cardio is a major factor in wanting to try out a new sport but more to the point it is its mental benefits like confidence, positivity and creativity that appeals to me more. Because I am sure as hell not an athlete but if something can change the way I think and teach me to be more confident, then I think that trying out something new is a philosophy that we should all live by.
Have You Tried Out Roller Derby Before?
*Collaborative Post
Shop The Look
Like you, I was not athletic in high school. I did, however, dance ballet and loved it! I was never much of a roller skater so roller derby never was something that struck my interest. But it looks like a lot of fun and a great way to bond with other women.
I would love to try roller derby, I have a cousin that is amazing. I need to include some type of activity in my life, I have become so busy I can’t seem to find time.
The answer to your title is yes, yes you should and yes you can do it x
I went to a roller disco at the beginning of university which was fun but I couldn’t quite figure it out even though I can ice skate and roller skate on the other style of blade! But my cousin is in a roller derby team and he absolutely loves it! It can be quite vicious but a lot of fun 😀
I have always wanted to try Roller Durby but it looks super challenging – so you go girl! Let us know how you continue with it!
I’ve not been on skates since I was a child, and to be honest, I often find walking on two feet a challenge!
It sounds like a lot of fun. I used to rollerblade as a youngster and would love to try something like this
I have ALWAYS wanted to dry roller derby, or even roller skating!! You so SO should give it a go! Have you ever watched the film Whip It? If not, you SO should!
Yes go for it! I went ice skating for the first time in about 20 years last month, and it was sooooo much fun!
Definitely go for it. I’m attending more fitness classes and found that spinning for me has become a great outlet for boredom and when I just don’t want to deal with social media!
I definitely think you should and by now I am hoping you did!
I’ve never been to roller derby, although i do like your outfit, looks great for summer x
This is so on my list of things to do this year! We used to do it as teenagers it was so much fun! Love your outfit as always x
I’ve tried roller derby before – it was hard work but really fun. I only had a taster session at an intake night and never continued as at the time I wasn’t driving and it wasn’t held near me, but now that I have a car I’ve been meaning to take it up again x
I think you should definitely give it a try! You are going into it with a great attitude and willingness to try and see how it goes, so I think that no matter what it will be a positive experience for you. It may not be something you want to continue with, but I think you will have a great time trying it out.
I’ve never been into sports or exercising much but this sounds fun definitely go for it and see if u like it.
I’d struggle to fit it in atm! But yes I’d try it. If you’ve not tried a trampoline fitness class before, I’d recommend one of them too! xo
I’ve never tried roller derby before but it does sound like loads of fun although I have zero balance x
Yes go for it, Roller Derby is great and I have always wanted to try it
I totally think you should give it a try. There are plenty of chances that we miss in life simply because we don’t feel comfortable doing it. It sounds like a lot of fun too! It might be a good stress reliever.
It sounds like fun, yes you should try it 🙂 I will be looking forward to reading about it i you go.
I’ve not tried a roller derby before but it sounds like it would be a lot of fun! x
You really pulled that outfit. I thought you were really sporty before if your outfit will be my basis.
Roller Derby sounds like a fun way to get some exercise, much more fun than the gym.
You should definitely try this out it always good to try new things. I have no balance and would be awful at it but I bet it’s a great fun work out x
Love the outfit, and those sunglasses are absolutely amazing!
I’ve never tried Roller Derby before but it sounds fun!
I always thought that roller derby is really fun but not for me, as im the clumsiest person, but I would give it a go and hope for the best. x
I love a good sports seesh! Shen I was younger I did pretty much ever dport going and love the idea of roller derby
Sounds anazing, roller derby!! Loving youf look btw sporty casual and cool 🙂 x
Most definitely to roller derby! Once you get the hang of the skates .. you’re home free. I remember as a kid .. every Friday night I’d go with my best friend to the roller skating rink. Two dollars to get in (including popcorn) and I saved my pennies all week long. Some of my best memories
Never been roller skating. I had some skates back in the 80s 🙂 Anya wants to go ice skating…
First Ana, all I have to say is wow. You look absolutely amazing as always. And then I have to say that I really love the pants. I am not sure why but they are styling and daring all at the same time. Finally, as to the roller derby, I dated someone who did it and she loved it. It is kind of all of those things your friend suggested but it could help you to kick up your endorphins and make you feel better about yourself. Not that you aren’t amazing already. You are.